THE LEAFLET

Casey Trees has been working behind the scenes to improve the conditions on all the sites that we hold conservation easements for, particularly one in the Buena Vista Terrace community in Southeast DC’s Buena Vista neighborhood in Ward 8. This is a community greenspace, east of Fort Stanton and just north of Suitland Parkway.

When we were first granted this opportunity in partnership with the Departments of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), we weren’t sure just yet how to tackle the many invasive species and overgrown conditions on the site. We collaborated with DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division (UFD) to clear overgrowth and assess site conditions, returning several times to continue stewardship of the adjoining forest patch.

Last year we were awarded a grant through the Nature Sacred Foundation, an organization with the mission to provide unique community spaces to serve as places of reflection and healing. This grant will support community engagement and some construction funding, with the ultimate goal of delivering a quality community green space that is accessible to all. Priorities for the site are to facilitate safe access, enhance tree canopy, and improve ecological uplift through the planting of native species.

While the grant we were awarded will assist with the development of this site, it unfortunately won’t fund the entire project. Design services through the landscape architecture firm, Moody Graham, were included in the award package, but significant additional work will be required to get the site up-and-running.

That’s where you come in! By donating to the project, you will be contributing to the first phase of improvements by addressing the re-emerging invasive species and preparing the site for future phases. Elements in the final plans include an arbor portal to welcome visitors into the site, a remembrance wall for those lost to violence within the community, terraced seating, a multi-purpose platform with mural and chalk walls, storm water management, and various plantings to beautify the site.

Everyone in our city deserves access to nearby nature, and green spaces where the community can gather. Donate today to support Buena Vista Terrace and its residents!